OVC FY25 Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has released the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking funding opportunity. This initiative aims to support jurisdictions in developing or expanding multidisciplinary, victim-centered task forces that effectively identify and serve victims of sex and labor trafficking, investigate cases, and prosecute traffickers. A total of $22 million in funding is available under this opportunity, with awards anticipated for 20 to 30 recipients across three program categories. Funding is authorized under statutes including 22 U.S.C. § 7105(b)(2) and 34 U.S.C. § 20705. The ECM Task Force program emphasizes a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, victim service providers, prosecutors, survivor voices, and community-based partners. Category 1 is designed for new local or Tribal task forces, offering up to $700,000 per applicant ($1.2 million per task force). These applicants must dedicate 12–18 months to building foundational infrastructure, including developing operational procedures, co-leadership protocols, strategic outreach plans, and stakeholder training. Category 2 supports the expansion of existing OJP-funded task forces with up to $900,000 per applicant ($1.5 million per task force), focusing on expanding partnerships, refining protocols, increasing victim identification, and peer mentoring. Category 3 is designated for statewide task forces—new or previously funded—providing up to $1,000,000 per applicant ($2 million per task force) to facilitate a coordinated response across the entire state. A cost-sharing requirement of 25% is mandatory, meaning that applicants must provide a minimum 25% match of total project costs through cash or in-kind contributions. The period of performance for all categories is 36 months, beginning July 1, 2026. Allowable costs include leadership staffing, investigations, prosecutions, service provision, public outreach, and cross-partner training. Certain costs are unallowable, including cash stipends for victims, vehicle purchases, and services to unlawfully present immigrants unless federally authorized. Specific deliverables and timelines are tied to each funding category and include development of memoranda of understanding (MOUs), task force protocols, and community assessments. Eligibility is limited to state, local, and Tribal governments and nonprofit organizations (excluding IHEs), including law enforcement and victim service providers. Each task force must submit two applications: one from a law enforcement agency and one from a victim service organization. Coordination between these entities is mandatory. A critical eligibility criterion is evidence of collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and optionally, U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Applications follow a two-step submission process. Step 1 requires submission of the SF-424 in Grants.gov by March 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Step 2 requires completion of the full application in JustGrants by March 18, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET. Required materials include a proposal narrative, detailed budget form, organizational chart, letters of intent or MOUs (depending on applicant type), and evidence of SAM.gov registration. Applicants must also demonstrate capacity to manage federal grants, provide assurances on civil rights compliance, and prepare for performance reporting using OVC’s PMT. Evaluation will be conducted through both peer and programmatic review. Criteria include clarity and feasibility of the problem statement, goals and objectives, program design, applicant competencies, and budget justification. OJP also considers geographic distribution, funding availability, and past grant performance. Successful applicants will be notified through JustGrants and may be considered for continuation funding in future years depending on performance, strategic priorities, and appropriations.

Ensure strong co-lead structure and federal partner involvement; Address both labor and sex trafficking; Survivor engagement is prioritized.